Canyon Grizl Review: Gravel Super Bike
Released today, the Canyon Grizl is a new drop-bar gravel bike with clearance for 700 x 50mm tires, lots of mounting points, and features that cater to long days in the saddle. Weve been testing out the Grizl CF SL 8 build prior to todays releaseequipped with a set of co-branded Apidura bagsto discover what it does best. Find our review here
A few weeks ago, a mystery box from Canyon showed up at my front door and I had only a rough idea of what might be inside. In all seriousness, Canyon provided a geometry chart but nothing else, not even a photo, so I wasnt sure what to expect. This was my first time riding a Canyon, and I was pretty interested to see how their direct-to-consumer business model worked. Plus, considering the weight of the box, I assumed something exciting was inside.
Things To Keep In Mind
- Maybe it is just me, but I have the Kona Sutra LTD 2020 and I have 50mm tires this. And since using these sized tires it would be a stretch for me to go back to anything thinner. But it is worth noting that the Warbird is able to have full-fender coverage for up to 700c x 38mm or 650b x 47mm tires. Which is still rather good but not the best for similar bikes.
Bike Owners Thoughts on the Salsa Warbird
Most bike testers for the Salsa Warbird have mentioned that this bike is so lively and quick. Even when the bike was tested with a number of water bottles and bike bags it is yet so comfy and surefooted. You know it is built to crush gravel even when the rough stuff is so easy peasy!
On a regular ride I do on a MTB, its 2mph quicker on average. Very comfortable. Very stable and predictable. Rolls well and feels very planted and predictable. I absolutely love it.
Spec And Model Variants Of The Bmc Kaius 01 2023
The BMC Kaius 01 2023 is available in 3 versions. The Kaius 01 entry model tips the scales at 8.9 kg and retails at 5,499. The 02 model costs 8,499 and weighs in at 8.2 kg. The Kaius 01 flagship model in this test sets you back 11,499 and weighs in at 7.4 kg. The weight specifications refer to a frame size 54 with two bottle cages and tubeless setup. All Kaius models rely on the same frame, aero carbon wheels, 40 mm wide Pirelli Cinturato Gravel H tires and wireless SRAM drivetrain. The Kaius 01 flagship model comes equipped with a 1x drivetrain while the two cheaper versions feature a 2x drivetrain.
ModelFrameForkGroupsetWheelsTiresCockpitWeightPriceModelFrameForkGroupsetWheelsTiresCockpitWeightPriceModelFrameForkGroupsetWheelsTiresCockpitWeightPreis
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Make Sure All Of The Bolts Are Tight Before Riding
Bicycle assemblers at Walmart are generally not someone who has been professionally trained to set up a bicycle. You should always make sure that you double-check that all bolts on the bicycle are well tightened and that the stem of the bike does not move around at all. Alternatively, I do also recommend a full tune-up at a professional bike shop before doing any serious riding because of this.
What Other Gravel Bikes Should I Consider

Considering its reasonable price and how much we enjoyed testing the Grizl 7 Suspension, we’re inclined to steer lots of riders in its direction. Those seeking a much lighter weight bike, however, would do well to check out the Ibis Hakka MX. The Hakka weighs almost six pounds less, has a very snappy and energetic feel, and would be a more logical choice for racers or those who prioritize low weight. Similarly, the Santa Cruz Stigmata is nearly as lightweight, and we found it to have a very well-rounded performance and an even more comfortable ride quality than the aforementioned Hakka. Both bikes are quite a bit more expensive but come with quality carbon frames and fancier build kits.
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How Do I Choose A Gravel Bike
Gravel bikes are highly versatile and diverse. They are offered in several frame materials including steel, aluminum, carbon fiber, and titanium. Some of them even come with suspension for extra cushioning while riding. If you plan on going bikepacking or touring, then a steel gravel bike might be the best option. If you want to race gravel bikes, then a carbon fiber version might be better.
Tech Spec: Cannondale Topstone Lefty 3
- RRP: £3,399.99 / 3,799.00 / $3,750.00
- Frame: Cannondale Topstone Lefty 3
- Groupset: Shimano GRX 800 Wide
- Crankset: Cannondale 1, BB30a, OPI SpideRing, 40T
- Wheels: WTB ST i23 TCS, 28h, tubeless ready, Formula hubs
- Tyres: WTB Venture TCS Light, 650 x 47c , WTB Byway TCS Light, 650 x 47c
- Brakes: Shimano GRX 400 hydraulic disc, 160/160mm RT76 rotors
- Bar/stem: Cannondale 3, butted 6061 alloy, 16 deg flare drop/Cannondale 2, 6061 Alloy, 31.8, 7-degrees
- Seatpost: Cannondale 2, UD Carbon, 27.2 x 350mm
- Saddle: Fabric Scoop Shallow Elite
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The Spec Of Our 2023 Bmc Kaius 01 One Test Bike
The BMC Kaius 01 ONE 2023 rolls on wide 40 mm Pirelli Cinturato Gravel H tires, which not only contribute to the excellent damping qualities of the bike but also combine excellent cornering traction and low rolling resistance on tarmac and even survived the race unscathed despite dealing with some pretty gnarly sections. The tires are mounted on a high-profile Zipp 303 Firecrest wheelset, which ensures excellent aerodynamics but is more susceptible to crosswinds.
Get Off Road With A Gravel Bike
With a gravel bike, you can open up new horizons away from main roads. A slightly modified frame geometry and larger tyre width ensure better off-road capability. A gravel bike for men feels right at home on easy terrain. Gravel roads, cobblestones, forest paths and even singletrack are perfect for these all-round bikes. Multi-day rides, bikepacking and overnighters are also ideal for a bike adventure. You can safely mount or stow luggage racks, bags and accessories using the mounts on the frame and fork.
Still undecided? Our endurance bike is a road bike with 35mm of tyre clearance that offers grip and comfort. Check out our endurance road bikes.
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Best Gravel Bikes 2023 For Speed Practicality And Adventure
Our pick of the best gravel bikes from racing rigs to bikepacking steeds
The best gravel bikes combine off-road capability with a turn of speed that will see you cover ground efficiently both on unmade trails and on tarmac, upping the variety in where you can ride.
We’ve got a full guide to what is a gravel bike if you want more details, but the field has both expanded and diverged in the last few years. So whereas the first generation of gravel bikes tried to cater for all uses, the best gravel bikes now span everything from fast gravel race bikes through to bikes designed for bikepacking with loads of mounting points for bikepacking bags and often with 650b wheels.
There’s also a lot more choice of gravel bike components and kit, like the best gravel wheels, best gravel tyres, best gravel bike pedals and gravel bike clothing. There’s a whole range of gravel groupsets too, from Shimano, SRAM and Campagnolo.
We’ve covered the bikes that we rate as the best gravel bikes here, but we’ve also got guides to the best women’s gravel bikes ad the best budget gravel bikes. The best electric gravel bikes also highlight a growing gravel category.
Read on for our pick of the best gravel bikes, or scroll down to the bottom of the page for our guide to how to choose the best gravel bike for you.
Best Carbon Gravel Bikes
Carbon fibre bikes are lightweight, stiff and can be designed to effectively absorb vibrations. This has made it the go-to material for many road cyclists but also makes it a good choice for performance gravel bikes.
Its pliancy will do a lot of work to minimise any chatter from the surface beneath while still letting you put a lot of power through the cranks.
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Cyclocross / Gravel Bikes
Discover the less traveled paths and push your limits with a pre-owned gravel bicycle. Fulfill your need for adventure and escape in the great outdoors with reliable refurbished bikes built for harsh terrains and long rides.
Which is the right bike for you?
We stock gravel and cyclocross bikes in our online bike store that allow you to do just so. You can find refurbished bikes in all sizes and frame materials. Whether youre looking for a used gravel bike to go bikepacking, or a cyclocross bike from a top brand at a cheap price, we have you covered. However, if you cant decide whether you should buy a cyclocross or gravel bike, you can book a video-call with our in-house expert or read up on our guide highlighting the differences between gravel and cyclocross bikes .
Why choose Cycling Avenue to buy a used cyclocross or gravel bike?
Cycling Avenue is a one-stop-shop to buy refurbished bikes online. Our goal is to provide affordable and quality bikes for cyclists of all backgrounds and experience while doing our part to reduce waste. This is why all pre-owned cyclocross and gravel bikes that come through our door are carefully inspected and Certified Ready-to-Ride by our bike mechanics before purchasing. Any used gravel bikes for sale have been fully refurbished and are ready to hit the concrete and dirt roads whenever youre ready. Here, you can find the easiest and safest way to shop online for used gravel bikes in the United States.
Ridley Kanzo Fast Grx Di2 Classified Ride Impressions

Russell Burton / Immediate MediaRussell Burton / Immediate Media
Even when shifting under pressure, you can switch ratios on the steepest climbs without hesitation.
The hub itself contains no battery, instead relying on the smart wireless thru-axle with a battery inside. Gear changing is actuated by induction coils in the axle magnetically moving the hub internals between the two ratios in just 150 milliseconds, a single micro-USB charge is claimed to offer over 10,000 shifts.
Ive only had the bike for a couple of weeks and ridden around 275 miles so far, and it hasnt put a foot wrong, so initial impressions are very positive.
Russell Burton / Immediate Media
The ride is firm but offset by a compliant seatpost, great saddle and big-volume 40c tyres. Off-road the stable steerings solid, while the aggressive ride position encourages you to go fast.
The aero-shaped seatpost means you cant fit a dropper post, which limits its off-the-beaten-track appeal. Still, if your intentions are byways and fire roads, then this is one lively option.
On the road it feels every inch a road bike, albeit one with slightly slower steering than most. Its not a negative, but just something you need to become accustomed to when cornering on descents.
The frame comes fitted with proper mudguard mounts front and rear, and I like the idea of fitting the Kanzo with full-guards and big-volume road tyres because it would make an awesome winter ride.
Russell Burton / Immediate Media
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The Polygon Bend R5 Gravel Bike Comes With Small Wheels And A Small Price Tag But It Adds Up To Big Fun
Bang for your buck gravel bike best suited for big adventures over rough terrain
Pros
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Only comes in three sizes
Why you can trust Cyclingnews Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
Polygon is the consumer-facing brand of bicycle manufacturer Inserna Sena. In a similar fashion to Giant and Merida, the Indonesian brand manufactures bikes for various other brands and decided it wanted a piece of the pie itself.
With that, its catalogue covers everything from enduro and DH bikes to carbon fibre race bikes, gravel bikes, and commuters too.
The Polygon Bend R5 falls in as the brand’s most rambunctious drop-bar bike designed to tackle everything from long gravel rides to steep and spicy single track.
- Best beginner’s gravel bikes: Fantastic first-time adventure bikes
What Wheel Size Do I Need
700c, 650b or even 26″?
Beyond the initial debate over what constitutes a gravel bike, the most appropriate wheel size is perhaps the most hotly debated topic. 700c was initially all that was on offer but now a resurgence in 650b, an old touring standard, has upset the apple cart somewhat.
650b rims have a smaller diameter than 700c, and can therefore fit a higher volume tyre within the same diameter . In simple terms a 650b rim and a larger tyre has essentially the same diameter as a 700c rim with a smaller tyre. As a rule of thumb you’re more likely to find 700c on those bikes designed for racing, while 650b tends to feature on bikes aimed at tackling the really rough stuff. There is significant crossover however, with some framesets able to take either.
Some manufacturers are thankfully also taking into account the needs of smaller riders. Constraints in frame geometry mean extra small frames can sometimes come with 650b wheels or even 26″ in contrast to the rest of the size range to keep handling characteristics consistent between bike sizes.
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How Much Do I Have To Spend On A Gravel Bike
Russell Burton / Our Media
Well, that depends on what you define as a gravel bike. A used cyclocross bike, for example, could work perfectly well as a gravel bike and cost you a fraction of the cost of even the most basic true gravel machine.
If youre looking at a purpose-built gravel / all-road bike, expect to pay around £800 / $1,200 for an alloy frame with entry-level components.
A mid-range build from a major brand will likely cost in excess of £2,000 / $2,800. Aluminium frames still dominate here but theyll sport more up-to-date designs in terms of tubing, geometry, tyre clearance and mounting points.
Spend more and youll start to step into the world of carbon frames, with upscale components to match.
As is normally the case in the cycling world, its possible to spend a small fortune on a custom-built bike should you wish to.
Top 10 Best Bikes At Walmart In 202: Big Box Bike Options
Posted by Austin | Jan 17, 2022 | Buyer’s Guide, Types of Bikes
Walmart is one of the most popular stores in America. Walmart has everything from groceries to clothing, and its no surprise that Walmart also sells bicycles! Walmart has a wide variety of bicycle types, so there should be at least one type that suits you. In this article, we will talk about Walmarts best bikes: the top 10 Walmart bicycles!
3.5 / 5 |
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Why Are Gravel Bikes Heavier Than Most Bikes
Gravel bikes are built more robust than typical road bikes. They are built for offroad riding and some are even built for touring, which involves loading your bike up with racks and all your gear for multi-day excursions. They are often lighter than a mountain bike though, making them a perfect hybrid between the two.
Explore The Trek Boone
Trek has unveiled all-new Boone models that are sure to dominate the cyclocross circuit this season.
Debuted by Telenet-Fidea and Katie Compton in the 2016/2017 Cyclocross World Cup race season, new Boone models were built with input from pro racers to ensure the strongest, fastest, and lightest ride possible.
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What Brands Make The Best Lightweight Gravel Bike Frames
Many brands make lightweight carbon fiber gravel bikes. Brands like Niner, Orbea, and Santa Cruz all make lightweight gravel bikes that can be used for racing. While weight isnt the end all be all when it comes to ride quality, carbon fiber tends to be the lightest material and is also highly durable.
Cannondale Topstone Alloy 2

Russell Burton / Our Media
- £1,800 / $1,925 / 2,199 / AU$3,199 as tested
- Plentiful accessory mounts boosts versatility
- Great tyres for light gravel and road riding
- 700×45mm tyre clearance
The Cannondale Topstone Alloy gravel bike was with dropped seatstays, additional accessory mounts and new builds.
We tested the mid-range Cannondale Topstone Alloy 2, which is built around a Shimano GRX 400 groupset.
With loads of accessory-fitting options and ample tyre clearance , this is a bike that could quite reasonably be turned to nearly all riding duties, including doubling as a winter road bike or commuter bike.
However, the stock tyres are on the narrow side if you want to explore more technical gravel/off-road trails, though thats nothing an upgrade to wider rubber cant sort.
- Good overall value
- 700×42mm / 650×42mm tyre clearance
Theres a lot of mountain bike influence in Meridas Silex 400 and thats a very good thing. By combining a long reach figure with a short stem, the Silex 400 positions its rider perfectly to make the most of its brilliant off-road handling.
The frame features mudguard mounts, rack mounts, two cages and double bosses on the fork legs, meaning getting accessorised for touring, bikepacking or adventure riding will not be an issue.
Shimanos GRX transmission and braking components are mixed with a lot of own-brand parts for a spec sheet that amounts to decent value.
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